The JT McNamara Ladbrokes Grade A Munster National was won in good style by former Irish pointer Ontheropes for trainer Willie Mullins.
The son of Presenting was guided to victory by former novice point-to-point champion Sean O’Keeffe.
O’Keeffe settled his mount in mid-division for most, they cruised to the front to lead at the second last, the pair were soon strongly pressed by the Joseph O’Brien trained A Wave Of The Sea but the seven-year-old stayed on gamely on the run-in.
The Cheveley Park owned-gelding is lightly raced individual who was only making his second appearance in a handicap, he was last seen when finishing second to Monkfish at Fairyhouse in November last year.
Ontheropes started his career with Wexford handler Denis Murphy, he finished runner-up to Madiba Passion on his debut at Punchestown point-to-point. He was subsequently purchased for £240,000 at the Tattersalls Cheltenham Festival Sale by Harold Kirk and Willie Mullins.
Tattersalls Cheltenham graduates are in full swing. The highly impressive Ontheropes wins the Munster National. Sold by @BallyboyStables at the #CheltenhamFestival Sale. Congratulations to @CPStudOfficial @WillieMullinsNH @HaroldKirk_ pic.twitter.com/G1SO3ROC6K
— Tattersalls Cheltenham (@tattscheltenham) October 10, 2021
